*The Lagos State Government tasks residents on the need to adopt all COVID19 safety protocols, including proper and regular use of nose masks, physical distancing guidelines, and avoiding mass gatherings especially during the holiday season    

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

Concerned about the fresh increases in cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in the Centre of Excellence in particular and Nigeria in general, Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Health, has urged Lagosians to make lifestyle adjustments by adhering to all non-pharmaceutical interventions so as to able to cope with the raging virus.

The Commissioner stated this in a recent chat with media professionals on the state government’s response to the COVID-19 second wave.

Abayomi said that citizens should adopt all COVID19 safety protocols, including proper and regular use of nose masks, physical distancing guidelines, and avoiding mass gatherings, particularly during this holiday season.

According to him, residents should begin to practise regular hand and respiratory hygiene, submit themselves for tests if symptomatic, self-isolate if positive, and present early to an isolation centre for treatment.

The Lagos State Government will continue to educate and engage citizens on safety protocols, said he.

Abayomi stated: “People need to take responsibility for the infection.

“We will deploy effective messaging and education via our various public information channels and platforms while we enforce all guidelines through the respective state agencies.”

He attributed the reason for the second wave of COVID19 to factors, such as re-opening of the Nigerian economy; general laxity, the false sense of security, and non-adherence to safety guidelines by citizens; re-opening of schools; large religious congregations and social gatherings and entertainment.

He stressed that COVID19 positivity for inbound travellers coming into Lagos is increasing with an increase of 8 percent this week alone and 4 percent cumulatively.

The Commissioner, therefore, encouraged inbound travellers to Lagos to ensure they self-isolate for seven days after arrival and submit themselves for testing at government-accredited private laboratories upon expiration of the self-isolation period.

He added: “According to the provisional quarantine protocol, all intending inbound passengers must test negative by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) done in the country of departure within 72 hours of boarding and are required to register via – http://nitp.ncdc.gov.ng and pay for a repeat (second) PCR test to be done upon arrival in Nigeria on day 7 at an accredited lab of their choice.

“Passengers must also before boarding fill in an online Health Declaration/Self-Reporting form located on the Nigeria International Travel Portal which must be submitted online or printed for presentation on arrival in Nigeria.

“On arrival in Nigeria, passengers must show evidence of payment with an appointment for a repeat PCR test in-country following which passengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration Service.

“Passengers must then proceed on a 7-day self-isolation as per protocol and present at the designated accredited sample collection sites on the 7th day of arrival.

“Passengers who test negative after seven days will end self-isolation on the 8th day.”

The resolve to stop COVID-19 transmission among the citizenry is unshaken as the Incident Command System will continue to vigorously pursue all strategies and plans to ensure a COVID-19 free Lagos and Nigeria.

“It is also important that citizens take responsibility and adhere strictly to safety protocols and government guidelines to curtail the spread of the infection.”